Stand Proud

The inspiring story of rugby league star Nicho Hynes, who grew up to find his passion when he found his people.

A beautiful and moving picture book for every young reader who has ever attended a Harmony Day celebration and grappled with questions of identity, family and home.

As a kid, Nicho knows a few things to be true.
Everyone calls him Nicho, instead of 'Nicholas'.
He loves the sport of rugby league.
And he is Aboriginal - but he hasn't always known what that means.
Then one day at school, Nicho sees his friend covered in white paint and practising a special dance.
Nicho asks him to teach him the dance too . . . and that's when everything changes.

This is the inspiring story of rugby league star Nicho Hynes, who grew up to find his passion when he found his people.

Illustrated by Blak Douglas, winner of the Archibald Prize in 2022.